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Washington College

Chestertown, MD·Private nonprofit·890 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $56,500 within 10 years; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

66%
Accept
890
Students
$29,095
Net Price
74%
Grad Rate
$56,500
Earnings
10 yr
$21,000
Debt

About This School

Washington College is a private nonprofit institution located in Chestertown, Maryland with approximately 890 undergraduate students enrolled. Washington College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 66%. The average net price after financial aid is $29,095 per year. The graduation rate is 74%, and the typical graduate earns $56,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Washington College is a private liberal arts college in Chestertown, Maryland, United States. Maryland granted Washington College its charter in 1782. George Washington supported the founding of the college by consenting to have the "College at Chester" named in his honor through financial support and service on the college's Board of Visitors and Governors. Washington College is the 10th-oldest college in the United States and was the first college chartered after American independence. The school became coeducational in 1891.

This small liberal arts college — one of the oldest in the country, with a genuine historical identity — is worth considering if you thrive in intimate academic settings, with just 890 undergrads and strong freshman retention at 87%. The financial picture is reasonably solid: median debt of $21,000 at graduation is manageable against median earnings of $56,500 a decade out, though the 74% graduation rate suggests not everyone finishes, so it's worth asking what support systems are in place. If you're drawn to the Eastern Shore lifestyle and a tight-knit campus community, this can be a good fit — just go in with eyes open about outcomes.

Founded
1723
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Social Sciences18%
Biological Sciences17%
Business & Marketing16%
Psychology11%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Physical Sciences6%
English4%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Linda HamiltonJames M. CainLaura San GiacomoCharles Hopper Gibson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1274
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile655

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$54,356
Out-of-State Tuition
$54,356
Avg Net Price
$29,095
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$21,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
74%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White67%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (890 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Washington College

300 Washington Ave

Chestertown, MD 21620-1438

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Maryland

Browse all Maryland schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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